Sabres fan-fest to include hockey, music

To wrap up its annual week-long rookie development camp in July, the Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Place are partnering to create a new downtown and waterfront event.

As the camp ends on July 12, fans can attend a 4 p.m. intra-squad scrimmage at First Niagara Center followed by a live music/fireworks display at the Central Wharf concert side inside the Canalside footprint. Jamestown’s 10,000 Maniacs will headline the concert.

The post-game activities include a player’s autograph sessions beginning at 6 p.m. inside the arena.

Also at 6 p.m., music will begin at the Central Wharf, with the 10,000 Maniacs slated to hit the stage around 8 p.m., with a fireworks display to follow.

The “Sabres Summer Fan Fest” is an outgrowth from last year’s development camp rookie scrimmage that saw several thousand hockey fans make their way into the First Niagara Center.

“The fan turnout at last year’s development camp and scrimmage really drove home the fact that our fans have an appetite for hockey that continues year-round,” said Ted Black, Sabres president. “We’re excited to build upon that fan interest and offer a larger event that capitalizes on our arena’s location in Buffalo’s burgeoning waterfront.”

The scrimmage/concert combo may also serve as a chance for many to see the development of the $172.2 million HarborCenter project that Sabres’ owner Terry Pegula is constructing across from First Niagara Center. HarborCenter is slated to open in September 2014.

Buffalo Place Chairman Keith Belanger said he expects the fan fest to be developed into a yearly joint effort between the Sabres and his organization.

Tickets, which go on sale on June 20, are $10 and good for both the scrimmage and concert. Tickets will be sold at the team’s box office or online at Sabres.com.

Sabres season ticket holders get one free ticket for each seat they have purchased for the 2013-2014 season.